Evaluating community perceptions of coastal sage scrub habitat at White Point Nature Preserve in San Pedro, California

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to gather the community’s perceptions on the local natural environment at the 102-acre White Point Nature Preserve in San Pedro, California. The research questions are: 1. What perceptions does the community have about the health and value of the local natural environment? 2. How can the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy better engage the community surrounding White Point Nature Preserve to better achieve its mission?

Results demonstrate that the longstanding drought in southern California impacted the responses on health and beauty. Fostering of more community involvement strategies could engage new participation at the Nature Preserve. The results will help inform management decisions, such as education programming with the interests of the research participants, to better reach the local community and generate more participation, and to increase positive perception toward the White Point Nature Preserve and its managing organization the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy.